IPL 2026: Global Private Equity Giants Eye RCB and RR as Ownership Race Heats Up

The IPL continues to increase in value which leads multiple investors to seek opportunities for acquiring league teams through either purchasing partial ownership or complete franchise rights. At the start of 2026 reports revealed that Diageo had put RCB up for sale while RR began exploring the option of selling a majority stake. The competition between both teams has escalated into an intense bidding war.

 

According to a Reuters report two global private equity giants KKR and Blackstone are preparing to enter the IPL market. The league has achieved a valuation of $18.5 billion in 2025 which has drawn substantial worldwide attention from investors. Both firms are reportedly targeting stakes in RCB or RR. The rising investment interest stems from CVC Capital's successful investment exit in GT which demonstrated the league's investment potential.

 

The report states that CVC Capital sealed its deal after holding the franchise for four years which resulted in a $900 million transaction.

 

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The four organizations which include Blackstone, KKR, Partners Group and Royal Challengers Bengaluru refused to provide any information about the situation. The Rajasthan Royals did not answer Reuters inquiries while sources who understood the situation chose to keep their identities hidden. The involved parties have not made any official statements about ongoing negotiations.

 

The franchise RCB has a valuation which ranges between $1.5 billion and $2 billion according to present estimates. The auction process now moves into its second phase after Lancer Capital, Adar Poonawalla, Manipal Group and Adani Group submitted their bids. IPL teams have achieved great revenue growth which has resulted in their financial success. MI’s revenue rose from $34 million in 2022 to $73 million. RCB’s earnings increased from $32 million to $56 million, while CSK grew from $38 million to $72 million. KKR expanded from $35 million to $77 million in 2025, and PBKS surged from $31 million in 2022 to $73 million.